Colorado: A Long and Storied History of Natural Resources and Energy Development

This past weekend, during a trip to Aspen, Colorado, I was reminded yet again of the long and storied history involving the state of Colorado and the national resources and energy sectors. The reminder came in two ways.

First, my good friend, former member of the European Court of Justice Judge David Edward (I will write more about Judge Edward later this week) and I visited the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, which is in the White River National Forest and about 10 miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado. While visiting this spectacular part of Colorado, we viewed a solar panel that is obviously used to generate electricity in this remote area that is clearly off the electric grid. Solar-related businesses are finding Colorado an attractive place to locate and build their firms.

The second reminder was a throw back to Colorado's past, which was marked by significant mining activities in the Rocky Mountains. In this regard, Judge Edward and I visited a ghost town called Independence, which is located several miles west of the top of Independence Pass. From 1881-1883 the town was abuzz with activity. During this period, about $190,000 worth of gold was extracted from the mountain. Now, all that is left is a scattering of abandoned buildings as well as the remains of some of the mining operations.

Put another way, within one day we experienced the past and the future in terms of Colorado's involvement with mining and now renewable energy. Since the founding of the state in 1876, Colorado has always drawn innovative and forward-thinking individuals whether they be in mining (largely now in the past) or renewable energy (clearly part of our state's future).

As a graduate program, we recognize the importance of both of these key sectors and offer a wide range of classes in both mining and renewables. Consequently, DU is the place to study in these important fields (I hasten to note that while mining is not as big in Colorado now than it formerly was, there is enormous mining expertise in this state and the law school is fortunate to have many mining law leaders teaching in our program).